Winter soups are synonymous with rib-sticking, bone-warming, soul-satisfying meals, and that certainly applies whether we’ve got rain, sleet or snow. And on a dreary day, nothing’s more soothing than making a pot of soup.

If you’re short on time and want something easy and uncomplicated, try making a simple shrimp soup or an artichoke bisque that goes together easily and cooks in just minutes. And if you have the luxury of making a no-hurry meal and want to steam up the windows, there’s always an easy, old-fashioned potato potage that simmers for an hour and fills the house with good, earthy smells.

A bowl of soup can be a starter, a main course or dessert. You can partner it with a salad or sandwich, or let it stand alone as a main meal with nothing but a crusty loaf of bread to sop up the good stuff.

The fact is, you just can’t go wrong when you serve soup, snowy day or not. It’s a great way to offer a nutritious meal, and besides, it just makes you feel good.